Novel ExplorationLesson Two

Learning Objectives:To make predictions about Dan’s novels

To create an interesting, imaginative opening chapter

Assessment Foci:Reading AF4Writing AF1

Dan’s first piece of football writing!

Dan was thirteen years of age here. This piece of writing was published in Shoot!

Let’s see what he’s been up to since then...

There are five novels in the Jamie Johnson series:

Kick OffShoot to WinGolden Goal

Man of the MatchBorn to Play

Can you guess the order of publication of these books?

Each group will be given a book to focus on.

Task One

In groups, read the blurb and analyse the front cover of your book.

Can you predict what will happen to Jamie Johnson in this book?

Write on your sugar paper your group prediction and present it to the class.

Has anyone different predictions for the same book?

Kick Off...

The start of Jamie Johnson's football career.

He's got so much to prove,

The pressure's on, but has Jamie got what it takes?

Shoot to Win...Jamie's got everything to play for  – scouts from top clubs are coming to watch him play!

This is his big chance and he can't wait to show off his latest move but the new coach is bearing a grudge...

Has Jamie missed his chance?

Golden Goal...There's a massive buzz around Jamie Johnson.

His dreams of becoming a professional footballer seem to be coming true.

But, just when he seems close to living the dream, a shocking event turns his world upside down...

Man of the Match...Jamie Johnson is fast becoming the most popular player in the country.

He's playing the best football of his career for his beloved Hawkstone.

But life at the top of the league isn't as easy as it seems...And Hawkstone are about to sign a new winger...

Born to Play...This is a special story about Jamie when he was 11.

It’s inspired by something that happened to Wayne Rooney when he was the same age.

It’s a prequel to the other books and a great introduction to the series.

Task Two

Mini authors!If you were given the titles and covers and had to

write the opening chapter of one of Dan Freedman’s novels, what would you write?

Write the opening chapter in the style of Dan Freedman of the book you have been focusing on.